Hyundai Motor Company has appointed Mike Song as its new head of Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, replacing Jin (James) Kim, who is returning to a senior management position in Korea.

Based in the Dubai regional headquarters, Song will oversee operations throughout the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Canary Islands, said a statement from Hyundai.

He will work to drive Hyundai sales in what are difficult market conditions through much of the region, it added.

Song joined Hyundai in 1993 after graduating from Seoul National University. He was executive co-ordinator for sales and marketing in Canada from 2000 to 2005; worked within the corporate planning division at Hyundai Global Headquarters from 2005 to 2009; and was sales coordinator for Hyundai Motor America from 2010 to 2014. Most recently, he has filled the role of head of Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East group, based in Korea, said the statement.

He joins the MEA regional headquarters during an important period for the carmaker, with 2016 expected to include the launch of two significant new product lines: the introduction of Genesis as a stand-alone luxury brand, and the release of the IONIQ eco-friendly model, the first car to be offered with a choice of the three most popular alternative-fuel drivetrains, including full-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full-electric, it said.

On his new role, Song said: “It is both an enormous challenge and a great privilege to take on such an exciting role.”

“The company is a leader in passenger car sales in several markets in the region, with a committed network of distributors, and a growing number of satisfied customers. I look forward to playing a vital role in the company’s continued success,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service